Product Design (A Level)

Applications Open - 10th November 2025

Applications Close - 27th February 2026

Entry Requirements - Please refer to the Sixth Form Course Directory via the website www.knoleacademy.org

Option blocks and detailed subject information can be found in our course directory https://www.knoleacademy.org/3569/information-for-students-applying-for-september-2025

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices

PLEASE NOTE WHEN SELECTING COURSES THERE ARE FOUR POSSIBLE PATHWAYS

Vocational pathway - Select minimum of 3 vocational subjects

IBCP pathway - Select minimum 1 vocational and minimum 2 IB subjects

IBDP pathway - Select only the IBDP option from Block E. We will contact you about subject options

Level 2 pathway -Select either Culinary Skills or Hairdressing

This qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers, especially those in the creative industries.

The course has been designed for Post 16 students to have the opportunity to investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning into practice by producing prototypes of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers

This course will enable students to:

• Gain an insight into the creative, engineering and/or manufacturing industries.

• Develop the capacity to think creatively, innovatively and critically through focused research and the exploration of design opportunities arising from the needs, wants and values of users and clients.

• Develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of materials, components and processes associated with the creation of products that can be tested and evaluated in use.

• Be able to make informed design decisions through an in-depth understanding of the management and development of taking a design through to a prototype/product.

• Be able to create and analyse a design concept and use a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas, including maths and science, to inform decisions in design.

• Develop skills in a range of software and machinery, including 3D printing and CAD/CAM

Paper 1: Technical principles

Written exam: Mixture of short answer and extended response questions (2 hours and 30 mins) 120 marks (30% of A-Level)

Paper 2: Designing and making principles

Written exam: Mixture of short answer and extended response questions (1 hour and 30 mins) 80 marks (20% of A-Level)

Section A:

• Product analysis: 30 marks

• Up to 6 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s)

Section B:

• Commercial manufacture: 50 marks

• Mixture of short and extended response questions

Non-exam assessment (NEA)

Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles. Written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype.

• Substantial design and make project

• 100 marks

• 50% of A-Level

Minimum of 5 9-4 grades in GCSE examinations including English and Maths.

Future courses & possible careers

• Teaching

• Engineering

• Design industry